This archive report was first published on 13 January 2020.
On December 4, 2019, Egerton University students staged a demonstration protesting a decision to lock out those who had not cleared their fees. The protest led to a standoff between the students and the university management, which ultimately resulted in the institution locking out the students.
However, the students refused to back down and continued to protest, with some even vowing not to allow the exams to take place. The situation escalated on Sunday night, with groups of second, third, and fifth-year students engaging in running battles with police in full riot gear.
Police lobbed tear gas canisters and fired live bullets in the air, causing a pandemonium in the wee hours of Monday morning. The university management had sought the help of security personnel to stop the unwanted groups of students from accessing the facility.
As a result, police arrested ten Egerton University students, including 15 students who have since been suspended. Ian Otieno, one of the students, stated that they have no choice but to comply with the orders.
First-year and fourth-year students who were recalled to report at the campus after the December 4 protest were allowed to enter the institution, but only after undergoing a thorough security checkup. Those who accessed the university and had not cleared their fees had to present a commitment letter, stating they would fully pay the damage fee of Sh16, 862.
